Big East Basketball: 10 biggest questions for league entering 2023-24 season
By Kyle Craib
Can Marquette recapture the Magic of their 2022-23 season?
Shaka Smart and the Marquette Golden Eagles put the Big East on notice last season.
The team entered the year projected for another mid-pack finish within the conference. But once the season officially got underway, Smart’s patented brand of pesky, defensive basketball paired with this team’s steaky scoring potential, began to pay dividends. The Golden Eagles were on a roll and seemed nearly impossible to stop, riding their momentum into March to the program’s first Big East championship. Despite falling short in the Big Dance, Marquette seems primed for yet another strong season with a very familiar roster.
Contrary to St. John’s, the team will only be missing one of their major pieces from last year’s squad. The Golden Eagles bid farewell to their well-rounded, 6’8” guard, Oliver-Maxence Prosper. The two-way talent was drafted by the Sacramento Kings after averaging 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 2022/23. But aside from Ol’ Max, this roster remains relatively untouched.
Back on the court this season is the reigning Big East Player of the Year, Tyler Kolek. The 6’3” guard put together a monster season for Marquette last year, averaging 12.7 points and a league-leading 7.9 assists, which ranked second in the nation.
Returning alongside Kolek in the backcourt is none other than Kam Jones, the Tennessee native who took the conference by storm last season. In his sophomore year, Jones led the Golden Eagles in scoring with over 15 points per game, while shooting an impressive 36 percent from beyond the arc.
Up the middle, Oso Ighodaro will look to continue his strides in becoming one of the Big East’s premier big men down low. His 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game helped drive Marquette’s lethal offence last season, and now entering his junior year, Ighodaro will be hungry for more.
Ben Gold will once again back up Ighodaro after a promising freshman season with Marquette. The New Zealander showed flashes of brilliance, showing off his quick footwork and soft hands in limited minutes down low. Look for Gold to make a jump this year after putting together a respectable season off the bench.
Don’t forget about Stevie Mitchell, David Joplin, Chase Ross and Sean Jones as well. The quartet will all be back in the fray for the Golden Eagles this year after combining for around 25 points per game last season. With Prosper’s departure leaving a hole in the starting lineup, watch out for Joplin or Ross to make a bid for his spot.
Keep an eye on incoming freshman guard Tre Norman, as well. A top-100 recruit out Worcester Academy, look for Norman to make the most of his opportunities despite Marquette’s already crowded backcourt.
Overall, this roster has proven that they can win on the biggest stage in the conference – but will Shaka Smart be able overcome his demons in the Big Dance and lead the Golden Eagles to the promised land?